Winemaking Crafted from hand-selected parcels in the famed Gimblett Gravels district, this Reserve Syrah represents the pinnacle of Villa Maria’s Hawke’s Bay reds. The 2021 vintage offered excellent conditions, yielding concentrated fruit with perfect ripeness and balance. Fermentation in open-top vessels and ageing in French oak barrels (a portion new) have brought together power and poise in equal measure.
Bouquet Beautifully perfumed with lifted notes of black cherry, blueberry, and plum alongside black pepper, violet, and subtle oak spice. Aromatic and inviting with classic cool-climate lift.
Palate Medium to full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel and firm structure. Dark fruits lead the way, followed by graphite, savoury herbs, and spice. The finish is long, dry, and sophisticated.
Food Pairing A natural companion for grilled lamb, venison loin, black olive tapenade, or smoky eggplant. Versatile enough for fine dining or elevated home cooking.
Cellaring Drinking well now with a decant, but will reward cellaring over the next 8–10 years as it gains complexity and secondary nuance.
Interesting Fact The Gimblett Gravels is a former riverbed of the Ngaruroro River—its free-draining soils and warm days are ideal for Syrah, making this one of the most celebrated terroirs in the Southern Hemisphere.